Former Gator Malik Davis on NFL Rookie Year

Eleven Gators participated in Florida’s Pro Day on Thursday. Several former players attended, including running back and current Dallas Cowboy Malik Davis.

In His Element

Davis participated in Pro Day last year in 2022 and had a phenomenal performance. He recorded an unofficial vertical leap of 39.5 inches and a 10-foot-7 inch broad jump. The Tampa native trained prior to Pro Day for three months at a sports performance training facility in Westlake Village, California.

From Davis’ experience, he touched on what goes through the minds of the guys participating in Pro Day.

“You don’t want to get out of your element,” Davis said. “You want to stay in your element. The cameras come out and sometimes guys do things that they’ve never done.”

NFL Expectations

Davis completed his rookie year as a running back for Dallas.

“It’s been great being able to get on the field and help my team win some games and take advantage of the opportunities,” he said.

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Being a player at Florida, you’re expected to win. Davis said being a player for America’s Team is the same way, and he enjoys being held to that standard.

According to Davis, what surprised him the most about the NFL and the Cowboys was how family oriented it is. He says as a new member of the team, he wasn’t treated any differently than other players.

Several veterans on the Cowboys helped him through his rookie year including quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott took him under his wing and even offered him rides to places during his first week of being there.

“Locked in and Focused”

Davis talked about the emotions behind Pro Day and what this day means for young athletes.

Pro Day Participants

Quarterback Anthony Richardson headlined the Gators Pro Day. Additionally, on the offensive side, offensive tackle Richard Gouraige, wide receiver Jordan Pouncey, wide receiver Justin Shorter and offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence were in action. Defensively, linebacker Amari Burney, edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr., safety Trey Dean III, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr., linebacker Ventrell Miller and safety Rashad Torrence II were participants.